Banksy's Former Manager Auctions Memorabilia

Banksy's artwork, previously presumed destroyed after being painted over and the building demolished, has been restored and will be unveiled at the International House Hotel. His former manager, Steve Lazarides, reflects on their partnership from 1997 to 2008, emphasizing that Banksy, now in his fifties, remains prolific and will never retire from creating street art. Lazarides, preparing to auction memorabilia from their time together, describes how they began selling prints from the back of a car, and highlights Banksy's groundbreaking contributions to the art world. Despite his fame, Banksy has struggled with the need for anonymity, which started as a means of self-preservation and evolved into a complex identity issue. Lazarides also discusses the mixed reception of some of Banksy's most famous works, including the 'Girl with Balloon', hinting at personal connections behind the art. Overall, Banksy's legacy as an elusive and impactful artist continues to grow as he remains active in the art scene.